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<br />.. <br /> <br />E. Proposed Floodplain Management Policy Objectives <br />Using national and regional trends and philosophies, current and past local policies, and recommendations from <br />the IRP and CAG as a backdrop for updating city of Boulder floodplain policies, staff is recommending five <br />objectives to update and adjust local floodplain policy. A successful program must address and implement all <br />five objectives to meet multiple floodplain management goals for preservation, preparedness, education, <br />regulation and mitigation. In addition, these policies need to be incorporated into multi-disciplined activities <br />performed in all city departments to truly reflect the city's commitment to meeting floodplain objectives. <br /> <br />Our floodplain management program currently performs activity in all of the areas outlined. However, staiIis <br />recommending the following adjustments to adequately balance the full range of objectives to better serve the <br />community . <br /> <br />1. "Preserve Floodplains for Floods" by recognizing the prescriptive floodplain easement that offers <br />"beneficial functions" for flood hazard reduction, water quality enhancement, wetland protection, wildlife <br />habitat, riparian corridors, recreation, alternate modes travel, environmental relief, aesthetics, and urban <br />open lands. <br /> <br />Tools for Implementation: <br />a) Public Land Acquisition: Continue with the high hazard property acquisition and building removal program we <br />currently implement and enhance this activity to pursue undeveloped floodplain lands or creek corridors that <br />offer "beneficial functions" and other community goals. <br />b) Private Land Dedication: Development applicants are already required to dedicate lands impacted by major <br />drainageways to provide a corridor for storm water conveyance under Chapter 10-5, B.R.C. 1981. This <br />requirement could be expanded to include dedication and preservation of floodplain areas for both conveyance <br />and flood storage, and where "beneficial functions" currently exist. <br />c) Integrate Multiple Program Activities: Current programs, such as wetland protection, water quality and <br />greenways, should be integrated with floodplain preservation to best achieve multiple goals through centralized <br />coordination and oversight to ensure effectiveness. <br /> <br />2. "Be Prepared for Floods" through updated hydrology, multiple-frequency storm analysis, detailed risk <br />assessments, enhanced early warning systems, multiple emergency notification measures, understandable <br />response plans, workable recovery plans, and ongoing storm monitoring. <br /> <br />Tools for Implementation: <br />a) Develop "State of the Art" Hydrology and Hydraulic Models: Use modern and advanced models to study <br />updated hydrology and hydraulic flood conditions. Develop a citywide floodplain model combining the 13 <br />separate floodplain models for each creek to permit analysis of multiple-frequency and multiple-stonn event <br />scenarios that may occur over more than one drainage basin at a time (we can not do this with existing models). <br />This would allow staff to study the reaction of local floodplains based on varying storm conditions and how the <br />storm drainage system responds to the impacts. <br />b) Perform a Detailed Risk Assessment: Using existing and updated flood information, prepare a detailed analysis <br />of risk to structures and people. Estimates of financial losses and risk to life may be quantified and the greatest <br />risks may be identified for flood preparedness and mitigation measures. <br />c) Improve Coordination with Emergency Management Office: A focused effort to coordinate flood emergency <br />preparedness activities with the city/county Emergency Management Office (Larry Stern, Emergency <br />Management Director) should be initiated to compliment and integrate floodplain management activities and <br />implement updated plans and actions. <br />d) Enhance the Early Warning System: The early warning system is currently most effective for mountain canyon <br />generated flooding on Boulder Creek, Four Mile Canyon Creek and South Boulder Creek. The system should be <br /> <br />10 <br />